Bezon fetes a century of adventure

Life Care Center resident Helen Bezon enjoyed plenty of attention from family and friends at her 100th birthday party on Monday. (Photo by CAMERON RASMUSSON)

SANDPOINT — One hundred years of living certainly hasn’t taken its toll on Helen Bezon.

The Sandpoint Life Care Center resident spent her big birthday surrounded by a multitude of out-of-state family and friends Monday afternoon. Still sharp and witty, she kept herself the center of attention with her humorous and snappy comments.

“I’m 100 years old today,” she said. “Tomorrow, I’m going to be 200.”

According to her family members, that’s the same spirit she’s maintained throughout her life.

Born Nov. 12, 1912, to William Burns and Clara Buckel in Alliance, Ohio, Bezon has defined her life with a spirited sense of adventure and love of fun. While Bezon has only been in the Life Care Center since June, she fits in so well, employees said they feel like she’s always been a part of their community.

“She’s very active here, and her family visits her daily,” said Marchelle Fritz, Life Care Center admissions and marketing director. “She’s very sharp and very witty.”

Bezon maintains the same hobbies that have carried her throughout life. Her love of music, poetry, dance, playing cards, traveling, swimming and walking five miles a day are still as strong as ever. In fact, she regularly amazes staff with her propensity for long and leisurely walks, usually a mile or two in length, around the facility, employees reported. She even dove off Third Street Pier and the Sandpoint City Beach docks last summer. In addition, Bezon also loves children, playing the harmonica and never forgets to say her rosary each day.

Her natural curiosity for life is reflected in her education and professional background. Bezon graduated from Alliance High School at the top of her class and went on to work for the Alliance Review, Salem Pottery and Twist Drill, Inc., and as a glass blower for Neon Sign Co. Work and play led her to travel through 48 states, Mexico and Canada.

A love of family has followed her throughout her life. She was married for 55 years to Frank Bezon, a union that produced five children, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Bezon’s birthday was acknowledged by all at the Life Care Center Monday with a birthday party and a visit from Sandpoint Mayor Marsha Ogilvie. After greeting her, Ogilvie issued a proclamation officially welcoming her into town.

“We are happy to have Helen here in our town,” Ogilvie said. “She truly is an inspiration and a treasure to her neighbors, her family and friends and to all who know her.”

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